Abstract: A pet feeding device composed of a horizontally upright serving container having an opening in its upper end and an inverted feed-supply container having an opening in its lower end, wherein the open ends are axially inserted in overlapped position and then attached to one another in response to relative movement between the containers transversely of the axes of insertion.A pair of tongue-and-groove assemblies or joints are employed to guide the containers during the relative transverse movement, the tongue component of each joint being integral with the overlapped end of one of the containers and the groove component integral with the proximate overlapped end of the other container. By moving the supply container transversely and rearwardly from its axially inserted position, the tongue components of the joints intermesh progressively mesh with the groove components until the supply container reaches its normal position of use at the rear portion of the serving container.

Abstract: A livestock watering device includes a liquid supply tank having an access opening in its top and an outlet opening in its lower end. A removable lid hermetically closes the access opening and an automatic feed means transfers liquid through the outlet opening to a collecting vessel arranged therebeneath in response to liquid consumption from the vessel. An electric heating element is attached to the lid and extends into the tank and is immersed in the liquid therein. The heating element comprises a resistance heating foil inserted between two concentric tubes sealably connected together to electrically isolate the foil from the liquid in the tank. The tubes define a tubular structure having a first open end removably secured to the lid and a second open end spaced above the bottom of the tank whereby the liquid in the tank is heated by contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular structure.

Abstract: A compact, unitary pet dish especially useful during automobile or camping trips is provided which serves as both a pet food and watering station, and is designed to minimize water spillage during road travel. The dish preferably includes walls defining a water compartment and an exterior food-receiving cavity or recess in the top thereof. A combination watering cup and carrying handle is mounted on the exterior of one compartment wall and is in communication with the interior of the compartment through a selectively openable water flow aperture. An upright wall or partition is located within the water compartment adjacent and transverse to the water flow aperture and serves, along with the recessed, food cavity-defining walls, to dampen vibration-induced movement of water within the compartment. The aperture and watering cup are also cooperatively designed so that a vacuum lock is established when the cup is filled, in order to provide a constant supply of water without overflowing the cup.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for growing plants in a nutrient solution while supported in an inert medium contained in a pot container includes a nutrient solution reservoir and automatic feeder apparatus for maintaining a predetermined level of nutrient solution in the container including a tube member connected to the reservoir having an open end carried a predetermined distance above the container bottom for dispensing the solution. An air vent communicates with the tube member allowing air to enter the reservoir in response to the level of nutrient solution in the container falling below the open end of the tube member as the solution is drawn by capillary action through the media into the roots. The nutrient solution flows into the container until the open end of the feeder tube is covered so as to continuously maintain the level of nutrient solution. An overflow opening drains excess liquid from the pot preventing overwatering and stagnation when used outdoors.

Abstract: The invention relates to automatic feeding apparatus for animals and particularly for domestic cats. The apparatus operates to provide a constant supply of food and drink respectively in a food dish and a drinking vessel. The food is automatically supplied to the food dish by means of a hopper and the liquid passes from the liquid container through a special cap into a reservoir which is in communication with the drinking vessel. The liquid container is removably mounted in clips formed integrally with the hopper and the cap includes a pivotally mounted flap arranged so that the flap can be opened when the liquid container is inserted into the clips and the cap is pressed downwardly into the reservoir.

Abstract: A pet feeder which readily converts from a solid feeder to a liquid feeder. The feeder has only two physically distinct members; i.e., a feeding tray and a container which is adaptable to holding and delivering to the feeding tray either flowable solid or liquid material.